Our go-to Taco Meat Recipe! We use this base in tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, crunchwraps, and more. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
This Taco Meat Recipe Is…
- Quick and Easy: Fast and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The best blend of seasonings!
- Lean protein: Uses 93/7 lean ground beef.
- Versatile: Great for tacos, burritos, nachos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Budget-friendly: Enjoy more-affordable restaurant-quality taco meat.
- Great for meal prep: Make a batch to use later in various dishes.
Taco Meat Recipe Ingredients
- Olive oil: Substitute other oils if desired.
- Lean ground beef (93/7): Lean beef works great with our seasoning blend — less fat without any flavor sacrifice.
- Tomato paste: Choose high-quality for better flavor.
- Water: Gradually add for meat consistency control.
- Seasoning blend: Includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion and garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper.
Optional:
- Beef Bouillon Powder: Boosts beefy and umami flavor.
- Yellow onion and minced garlic: Enhances flavor and texture.
How To Make Our Taco Meat Recipe
- Heat oil: Warm oil in a skillet.
- Cook beef: Add beef and break it up.
- Seasoning blend: Sprinkle with seasoning.
- Tomato paste and water: Mix in tomato paste and water.
- Simmer: Cook until water evaporates.
- Serve: Enjoy in your favorite Mexican dishes!
Great Side Dishes:
- Mexican Rice: Flavorful seasoned rice with tomatoes.
- Pinto Beans: Our favorite slow-cooked beans!
- Guacamole Recipe: Delicious topping on this Taco Meat!
- Salsa: Made in the blender.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn with mayo, cheese, and spices.
- Veggies: Roasted corn and peppers.
- Avocado Salsa: Simple salad with avocado and lime.
Storage
Meal Prep
Store leftovers of this Taco Meat Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or heat in a skillet until warm.
We love these meal prep containers!
More Easy Ground Beef Recipes:
- Ground Beef Ramen
- Meatball Sliders
- Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Middle Eastern Ground Beef Bowls
- 30 of our BEST Ground Beef Recipes
Taco Meat Recipe
This is my must-have Taco Meat Recipe! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect base for all your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes—tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, crunchwraps, you name it!
Equipment
- Large pan and wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef 93/7
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water up to 1/2 cup, as needed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder optional
- 1 cup diced yellow onion optional
- 1 to 2 teaspoon(s) minced garlic optional
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over high heat. If using, add optional diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes or until they start to turn golden. If not using onion and garlic, simply heat the oil in the pan (high heat).
- Add ground beef to the pan. Let it sear 1 minute without disturbing, then start breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once the beef starts changing color from red to pink, add all the seasonings (including beef bouillon powder). Drain off any grease.
- Stir in the tomato paste and gradually add water, just enough to deglaze the pan and moisten the meat. Continue cooking until the water mostly evaporates, leaving the beef mixture juicy but not watery. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Use taco meat as a filling for tacos, burritos, or any other dish of your choice!
Recipe Notes
My Favorite Ways to Use Taco Meat:
- Tacos: Fill shells with meat and your favorite toppings.
- Burritos: Roll meat with rice, beans, and toppings.
- Nachos: Top chips with meat, cheese, and salsa.
- Quesadillas: Sandwich meat and cheese in tortillas.
- Crunchwraps: Fold meat, cheese, and toppings in tortillas.
- Enchiladas: Roll meat in tortillas with sauce and cheese.
- Taco Salad: Top lettuce with meat, veggies, and dressing.
- Stuffed Peppers: Fill peppers with meat and bake.
- Loaded Taco Fries: Pile meat on fries with cheese and salsa.
- Taco Pizza: Use meat as pizza topping with cheese.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 302mg | Potassium: 515mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 715IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
